Demon David Neitz calls it a day
May 19th 2008 08:49
Melbourne's inspirational leader David Neitz has decided to call it a day after 15 seasons playing for the red and blue.
The 33-year-old veteran of the Demons played a club record 305 games, kicking 631 goals, another club record. He also captained the side since 2000, leading them onto the field for 175 games.
During a packed media conference, Neitz admitted that the decision to go was not easy, especially during the season. But a crippling neck injury has forced this decision upon him.
"It's not the fairytale end that I would have liked and hoped and dreamed for, but I've spoken to specialists (about the neck injury) over the past couple of weeks and have taken on a lot of advice.
"The decision has been made quite easily after seeing two neurosurgeons, and one suggesting that I have surgery on a ruptured disc, and the other suggesting I should perhaps not get the surgery and not play football and hope it gets better.
"Either way, either option means I'm not fit to play football this year and therefore, my retirement is being announced today."
The seven-time leading Demons goalkicker and 2002 Coleman Medallist also earned two All-Australian appearances and two International Rules guernseys.
The 33-year-old veteran of the Demons played a club record 305 games, kicking 631 goals, another club record. He also captained the side since 2000, leading them onto the field for 175 games.
During a packed media conference, Neitz admitted that the decision to go was not easy, especially during the season. But a crippling neck injury has forced this decision upon him.
"It's not the fairytale end that I would have liked and hoped and dreamed for, but I've spoken to specialists (about the neck injury) over the past couple of weeks and have taken on a lot of advice.
"The decision has been made quite easily after seeing two neurosurgeons, and one suggesting that I have surgery on a ruptured disc, and the other suggesting I should perhaps not get the surgery and not play football and hope it gets better.
"Either way, either option means I'm not fit to play football this year and therefore, my retirement is being announced today."
The seven-time leading Demons goalkicker and 2002 Coleman Medallist also earned two All-Australian appearances and two International Rules guernseys.
| 42 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
